What happened
On July 13, 2011, a Neiva 56-C, registration PP-GUT, was performing a solo instructional flight at the Arthur Siqueira State Aerodrome (SBBP) in Bragan and Paulista, Brazil. The aircraft was operated by the Aeroclube de Bragança Paulista.
During the landing phase of the flight, the student pilot was unable to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline. The aircraft drifted from the runway axis and veered off the left side of the pavement. After crossing a drainage ditch, the aircraft overturned approximately 20 meters from the runway. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was able to exit the aircraft unassisted and remained uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including impacts to the propeller, engine cowling, landing gear, wings, and vertical stabilizer.
The investigation
The investigation established that the student pilot was flying without a license but held a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. Prior to this solo flight, the instructor had conducted evaluation flights simulating engine failures and runway excursions, subsequently determining that the student had reached the necessary proficiency for solo operations.
Investigators noted that the aircraft lacked an onboard radio, relying instead on a portable unit and communication via the instructor, who reported the aircraft's position to the local radio station.
Findings
- Inadequate control inputs and poor piloting judgment during the landing phase.
- Lack of pilot experience inherent to a student in training.
- Potential deficiencies in the instructional process, specifically regarding the instructor's assessment of the student's readiness for solo flight.